BJP’s crucial tasks : Electing a new National president and Manipur
|
MR Singh
As the BJP prepares for a fresh phase of organisational reshuffle following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, all eyes are on who will succeed JP Nadda as the party’s next National president. With a strong mandate and a clear roadmap ahead, the BJP is expected to choose a leader who embodies ideological commitment, organisational experience, and political acceptability.
Top Contenders
Bhupender Yadav: Known as the party’s go-to man for tough elections and delicate negotiations, Yadav brings legal acumen, a low-profile yet high-impact style, and the ability to work across factions - making him a formidable contender.
Manohar Lal Khattar : A saintly organiser, Khattar is respected for his clean image, RSS background, and no-nonsense approach. His elevation would highlight the BJP’s preference for ideological loyalty and quiet efficiency.
Vishnu Dutt Sharma : The rising star from Madhya Pradesh, Sharma represents the younger, more assertive organisational generation of the BJP. A potential long-term investment, his candidacy would signal a generational shift while retaining the party’s core RSS-BJP alignment.
Rajnath Singh : The elder statesman, Singh brings unmatched stature and experience. His return to the post may seem like a throwback, but in times of political recalibration, the BJP could opt for a stable and trusted hand.
Dharmendra Pradhan : Seen as a bridge across regions and a prominent OBC face, Pradhan’s proximity to the Modi-Shah leadership and his extensive experience in Eastern India make him a natural choice for expanding the party’s base.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan : A mass leader with deep public connect, Chouhan is among the BJP’s most affable and popular figures. His soft-spoken manner and image as a leader "close to the common man" could help the party project a more accessible face.
Ram Madhav: A strategist and intellectual, Madhav is a key figure with deep roots in both the RSS and BJP. He played a significant role in expanding the BJP’s presence in North East India and Jammu & Kashmir through regional alliances.
Who Has the Edge ?
While all contenders have strong credentials, the final choice will hinge on the message the BJP wishes to convey.
A generational shift ? - VD Sharma or Dharmendra Pradhan.
A stable hand in turbulent times ? - Rajnath Singh.
A proven strategist with RSS roots ? - Bhupender Yadav, Khattar, or Ram Madhav.
For mass appeal and connect - Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
The Final Decision
The decision will not be based on seniority or loyalty alone but will reflect the BJP’s strategic direction leading up to 2026 and 2029. For now, all eyes are on BJP HQ in Delhi and RSS headquarters in Nagpur. The announcement is expected within the next one to two weeks.
Post-President Scenario
Once the new National president is appointed, the BJP is expected to reconstitute its National executive committee and initiate a reshuffle in the Union Cabinet, along with leadership changes in a few States. The party also plans to introduce eight new Bills, including a resolution to extend President’s Rule in Manipur and to pass the new Income Tax Bill.
Manipur: A Complex Situation
The BJP and RSS leadership are not inclined to dissolve the Manipur Assembly mid-term. Instead, they are providing more time to the Governor-led State administration to complete critical tasks- recovering looted sophisticated arms, arresting key instigators of violence, and reopening National Highways.
Insiders suggest that the goal is to reinstall the elected Government by 15 August 2025, if the situation permits.
Currently, the Manipur Assembly is under "suspended animation" since 13 February 2025 and will complete six months on 12 August 2025.
The Modi Government plans to introduce a Bill in the upcoming Parliament session to extend President’s Rule for another six months.
The Central and State Government agencies are working diligently to improve law and order in the troubled State.
They are consistently engaging with relevant stakeholders from both the hill and valley regions at various levels, holding consultation meetings to address the complex issues. While some positive outcomes are anticipated, efforts are still ongoing and the situation remains fluid.
The RSS is playing a key role in the peace-building process, with top leaders from both the BJP and RSS actively involved in the efforts to reinstate the elected Government. If the situation improves sooner, the reinstatement could happen earlier - keeping in view the Manipur Assembly elections scheduled for early 2027.
The BJP is keenly focused on working proactively over the next 16 to 17 months with its own elected Government ahead of the crucial State Assembly election.
This period will be utilised to implement remedial measures aimed at regaining public trust and stabilising both the State's governance and the party’s position in Manipur.
As the BJP prepares for a fresh phase of organisational reshuffle following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, all eyes are on who will succeed JP Nadda as the party’s next National president. With a strong mandate and a clear roadmap ahead, the BJP is expected to choose a leader who embodies ideological commitment, organisational experience, and political acceptability.
Top Contenders
Bhupender Yadav: Known as the party’s go-to man for tough elections and delicate negotiations, Yadav brings legal acumen, a low-profile yet high-impact style, and the ability to work across factions - making him a formidable contender.
Manohar Lal Khattar : A saintly organiser, Khattar is respected for his clean image, RSS background, and no-nonsense approach. His elevation would highlight the BJP’s preference for ideological loyalty and quiet efficiency.
Vishnu Dutt Sharma : The rising star from Madhya Pradesh, Sharma represents the younger, more assertive organisational generation of the BJP. A potential long-term investment, his candidacy would signal a generational shift while retaining the party’s core RSS-BJP alignment.
Rajnath Singh : The elder statesman, Singh brings unmatched stature and experience. His return to the post may seem like a throwback, but in times of political recalibration, the BJP could opt for a stable and trusted hand.
Dharmendra Pradhan : Seen as a bridge across regions and a prominent OBC face, Pradhan’s proximity to the Modi-Shah leadership and his extensive experience in Eastern India make him a natural choice for expanding the party’s base.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan : A mass leader with deep public connect, Chouhan is among the BJP’s most affable and popular figures. His soft-spoken manner and image as a leader "close to the common man" could help the party project a more accessible face.
Ram Madhav: A strategist and intellectual, Madhav is a key figure with deep roots in both the RSS and BJP. He played a significant role in expanding the BJP’s presence in North East India and Jammu & Kashmir through regional alliances.
Who Has the Edge ?
While all contenders have strong credentials, the final choice will hinge on the message the BJP wishes to convey.
A generational shift ? - VD Sharma or Dharmendra Pradhan.
A stable hand in turbulent times ? - Rajnath Singh.
A proven strategist with RSS roots ? - Bhupender Yadav, Khattar, or Ram Madhav.
For mass appeal and connect - Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
The Final Decision
The decision will not be based on seniority or loyalty alone but will reflect the BJP’s strategic direction leading up to 2026 and 2029. For now, all eyes are on BJP HQ in Delhi and RSS headquarters in Nagpur. The announcement is expected within the next one to two weeks.
Post-President Scenario
Once the new National president is appointed, the BJP is expected to reconstitute its National executive committee and initiate a reshuffle in the Union Cabinet, along with leadership changes in a few States. The party also plans to introduce eight new Bills, including a resolution to extend President’s Rule in Manipur and to pass the new Income Tax Bill.
Manipur: A Complex Situation
The BJP and RSS leadership are not inclined to dissolve the Manipur Assembly mid-term. Instead, they are providing more time to the Governor-led State administration to complete critical tasks- recovering looted sophisticated arms, arresting key instigators of violence, and reopening National Highways.
Insiders suggest that the goal is to reinstall the elected Government by 15 August 2025, if the situation permits.
Currently, the Manipur Assembly is under "suspended animation" since 13 February 2025 and will complete six months on 12 August 2025.
The Modi Government plans to introduce a Bill in the upcoming Parliament session to extend President’s Rule for another six months.
The Central and State Government agencies are working diligently to improve law and order in the troubled State.
They are consistently engaging with relevant stakeholders from both the hill and valley regions at various levels, holding consultation meetings to address the complex issues. While some positive outcomes are anticipated, efforts are still ongoing and the situation remains fluid.
The RSS is playing a key role in the peace-building process, with top leaders from both the BJP and RSS actively involved in the efforts to reinstate the elected Government. If the situation improves sooner, the reinstatement could happen earlier - keeping in view the Manipur Assembly elections scheduled for early 2027.
The BJP is keenly focused on working proactively over the next 16 to 17 months with its own elected Government ahead of the crucial State Assembly election.
This period will be utilised to implement remedial measures aimed at regaining public trust and stabilising both the State's governance and the party’s position in Manipur.